Manager Bruce Bochy met with Frandsen on Wednesday and told the young infielder that he would play mostly at second base and third base for the remainder of the spring. Frandsen had committed three errors at short in the first week of Cactus League play, and Bochy wanted to take some strain off the San Jose native.

"We decided this is the best thing for the club and Kevin," Bochy said. "He is full-bore with everything he does. A lot was thrown at him. It's best to get back to where we were."

Frandsen said he was disappointed "only because it's a challenge that I wanted to meet and I didn't do it. I wasn't performing over there. I wasn't being athletic. I was being more robotic.

"But it wasn't a waste of time. I feel more comfortable at second base than ever. Now it's an opportunity to go back, not look at it as a demotion, but to be what they want me to be."

Frandsen re-enters the second base competition with Ray Durham, though Bochy hinted that an everyday role could be possible for him at third base, too.

"I'm not going to call him a backup (at third)," Bochy said. "There will be parts moving. The last week of spring training, we'll have a better idea where Kevin, and really everyone, will be."

Rich Aurilia has begun playing first base in Cactus League games, perhaps a sign that the organization isn't handing that position to converted outfielder Daniel Ortmeier just yet.

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This much is clear: the loss of Vizquel to knee surgery has thrown the Giants infield totally out of whack, with multiple players auditioning for new positions. Discordant infield play has been a prime reason for the Giants' 2-7 start this spring.

"We're looking for a strong defensive team," Bochy said. "That's the direction we want to go - pitching and defense."

• Bochy said there's a "legitimate" chance minor league shortstop Brian Bocock could start on opening day and man the position until Vizquel returns in mid-April.

Bocock, who turned two double plays Thursday, is a playmaker with a strong arm and has gotten plenty of time this spring; he also hasn't slouched at the plate, hitting .333 with one strikeout in 16 at-bats despite never playing above A-ball.

• Vladimir Guerrero took advantage of a belt-high fastball from Matt Cain and hit a two-run home run in the Giants' 9-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe. The Giants managed just three hits against Jered Weaver and Co.

• Right-hander Vinnie Chulk continues to impress, striking out two in a scoreless inning. Left-hander Steve Kline struggled again, giving up two runs on three softly hit singles.

• Molina (strained left quad) is expected to make his Cactus League debut today.

(optional note, if space allows.) --Hitting coach Carney Lansford gathered the position players for a 20-minute morning rap session on the field at Scottsdale Stadium. Aaron Rowand, Randy Winn, Bengie Molina and Aurilia and Molina took turns speaking. So did bullpen coach and former pitcher Mark Gardner, who added his insight about how he approached hitters in certain situations. My message was more about the mental side, just being prepared when you get up there, 3/8 3/8 Aurilia said. A lot of these young guys need to get that mindset instead of just going up there to hit the ball. You have to watch the game from the bench, envision what the pitcher is going to do and have a plan for that. 3/8 3/8